Kiera's Moon

She hesitated. She had nothing to say to the man, unless it was to condemn him for kidnapping her, wedding her against her will, and dropping her like a sack of potatoes for his sisters to retrain.

"No, thank you," she decided.

"We expect visitors to arrive soon. As the nishani, your duty is to welcome them on behalf of the dhjan," Ne'Rin said with a glance at Talal. "However, I do not feel you are prepared for such a duty. You may accompany me, without your translator, so you do not embarrass the dhjan by speaking."

Offended once again, she said nothing as he rose and returned the translator to Talal. He walked down the hall from whence they'd come.

"He's angry about his sister," Talal said. "He feels it was an affront to him because the betrayer who murdered our father came from his family. He is condemned by many people and hoped his sister would restore his family's honor."

"He seems like a dangerous man," Kiera murmured.

"He is, but he's loyal. Just very angry."

"I think I need to rest," Kiera said, beginning to like A'Ran's trusted commander even less. "Can you take me back to my room?"

"Nishani, you have duties you must learn before my brother returns," Talal said timidly.

"Does he beat women?"

"No, nishani."

"Then take me to my room."

Talal obeyed. Kiera was hungry and overwhelmed once again. All she wanted was the coziness of her studio, where she could block out everything and paint. Her room on this planet contained none of her comforts. She didn't stay long in the boring room. Her mind was too busy, and she felt as if she hovered on the verge of a mental breakdown. Instead, she forced herself to leave and find something to do.

After exploring the halls and grounds for an hour or two, she returned to the main atrium, where she heard one of the sisters call her name.

"Nishani."

She turned to face Talal.

"Nishani, if you are rested, we must start your behavior training."

Kiera frowned and rose, walking away.

"Nishani, please! My brother requests it!"

"No!" she said over her shoulder. "That's so ridiculous! I'm not going to anything of the sort, and if you think you'll make me …" She stopped, unable to help the tears welling in her eyes. Talal gasped, as if she'd never seen anyone cry, and took a step back.